Resubelpara, Jan 3: Thousands of villagers of Bangsi Apal in North Garo Hills on Tuesday thronged Bangsi Apal playground to dance and sing to herald the end of the holiday season.
The event organised every year on January 2 by Song Kristan Committee has been taking place since 2005, and the organisers expect the same to continue going forward.
The village saw over 20,000 people come through the entire day, some to watch the proceedings with most joining in the procession.
The participants used drums, cymbals, and flutes with various traditional songs being part of the retinue.
The organisers, have removed any form of competition so that anyone who wants to be part of the crowd of dancers and singers can join.
The volume of the event was so loud that the sound of drums and cymbals could be heard up to Dainadubi, almost a kilometer away.
‘Song Kirtan’ or ‘Kristan’ is a tradition where homage is paid to the Lord through community dance and song. It follows the tradition of ‘Kirtan’ undertaken by other communities.
Early Garos, most of whom were Songareks adopted the tradition while adding their flavor.
Song Kristan is undertaken by groups who sing and dance, using various instruments that seek to praise the Almighty. While the tradition began with the Songsareks, has continued even after most Garos moved on to Christianity.
However, of late, the tradition has been fading with lesser and lesser numbers taking up ‘Song Kristan’ every year.
“We organise the event every year on January 2 to keep the tradition of Song Kristan alive. This is one tradition that needs to be continued by our future generations,” felt organizer Jaffrey Momin.
Earlier, Song Kristan groups were present in every village with both young and old being part of the groups. However, now things have changed, as fewer elders are seen participating in the groups.
The organizers welcomed the huge participation of the people and hoped that the numbers would swell in the years to come.
Residents of all the districts of Garo Hills as well as parts of Khasi Hills were part of the gathering.
Nearby residents of Assam too ensured the programme got the reception it deserved.
However, the organisers lamented the continuation of the programme – the lack of support from the state or district administration for something that promotes indigenous culture.
“We have stopped seeking help from the state or district administration since more than a decade ago as they have never come forward despite our pleas.
The event has attracted tourists from all across Assam and parts of Garo Hills but there is no promotion for our celebration. It would have been great if support was provided to us to help organise the programme,” said a member of the organising committee, Gilsang D Shira.
